Smile (musical)

Smile is a musical originally produced on Broadway in 1986. It has music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Howard Ashman. The original production closed suddenly and unexpectedly after less than fifty performances.

Related Topics:
Musical - Broadway - 1986 - Marvin Hamlisch - Howard Ashman

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Based loosely on the 1975 movie of the same name, Smile chronicles the 1985 California Young American Miss beauty pageant and the week preceding it. The main characters include Robin Gibson (Antelope Valley's Young American Miss) and Doria Hudson (Yuba City's Young American Miss), two girls who befriend and help each other throughout the week, Brenda DiCarlo Freelander, the ex-Young American Miss second-runner-up co-ordinating the 1985 pageant, and her husband Big Bob, an RV Salesman trying to help her through the week.

Related Topics:
1975 - Movie - Beauty pageant

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The original production featured Jodi Benson in the role of Doria who, almost presciently (considering Benson's later involvement with the Walt Disney corporation), sings the song "Disneyland."

Related Topics:
Jodi Benson - Walt Disney

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"Disneyland" has become symbolic for the musical as a whole, being presented on numerous compilations of recordings from so-called "lost Musicals" (along with, in some cases, "In Our Hands" and the title song.) Smile is considered "lost" because no official cast recording was ever made. However, there does exist a demo tape which is a primary source for groups performing the show.

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An HI ( Humorous Interpretation ) of the book from the musical has been cut and become popular for girls to perform at High School Theatre Tournaments.

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